Method of improving cognitive function

Abstract

Methods are useful for determining the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory compounds in reducing the proportion of patients exhibiting an accelerated decline in cognitive function. Reductions in decline of cognitive function in patients are provided by administering an anti-inflammatory compound.

Description

[0001] 1. Technical Field[0002] This disclosure relates to methods of limiting decline in cognitive function in a subject within a susceptible patient population by administering an anti-inflammatory compound to the subject. Methods for determining the effectiveness of an anti-inflammatory compound in limiting decline of cognitive function is also described.[0003] 2. Background of Related Art[0004] Coronary artery disease is often characterized by lesions or occlusions in the coronary arteries which may result in inadequate blood flow to the myocardium, or myocardial ischemia, which is typically responsible for such complications as angina pectoris, necrosis of cardiac tissue (myocardial infarction), and sudden death. In some cases, coronary artery disease may be treated by the use of drugs and by modifications in behavior and diet. In other cases, dilatation of coronary arteries may be achieved by such procedures as angioplasty, laser ablation, atherectomy, catheterization, and int...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although CABG surgery has substantially improved the therapeutic outcome of patients with advanced myocardial ischemia, the recovery period may be often traumatic to the patient with significant attendant risks.

Inflammation occurs in the cerebral microvasculature and surrounding neural tissue leading to patchy areas of necrosis and cerebral swelling.

Even in patients undergoing CABG surgery without concomitant cardiopulmonary bypass, emboli from manipulation of the heart or the proximal aortic anastomosis may result in cerebral embolian inflammation with subsequent cognitive dysfunction.

Hence, a "brain-damaged" subject may have normal or above normal IQ and not exhibit any apparent defects in visual, manual motor, or speech functions, but show reduced efficiency in processing the steps required for execution of SDMT.

Hence, it is apparent that any decline in scores with subsequent re-testing likely underestimates the true decline in function due to the attenuating effect of concomitant learning.

In particular, membrane insertion of small numbers of the C5b-9 complexes into endothelial cells and platelets can cause deleterious cell activation.